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The Autism Project: Autism services in Ontario

Here are some provincially funded and private services that can help young children with autism and their families:

Speech and language therapy: Builds communication skills through interaction and play, and teaches use of language. More Than Words, developed by the Hanen Centre, is commonly used for young children with autism.

Occupational therapy: Helps develop gross and fine motor skills, ability to transition from one activity or setting to another, play skills and management of sensory overload.

Social skills groups: Teaches habits such as taking turns, sharing, self-regulation, initiating play with others and expressing emotions. Helps child function better in family, school and with other children.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA): The most well-known evidence-based treatment method for autism, which teaches through repetition and positive reinforcement, but is practised in many forms and settings. Traditional ABA involves one-on-one therapy that breaks down skills into steps and is widely used in Ontario. Province provides some funding.

Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI): A form of ABA provided by a certified therapist for 25 to 40 hours a week for children with more severe symptoms. Funded by the province for children found eligible after assessment and placed on a wait list.

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT): Follows the principles of ABA, but is led by the child and their instincts rather than directed by a therapist, and targets pivotal behaviour to improve interaction and connection with others. Currently being tested in the Social ABCs randomized, controlled trial by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

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Other therapies from private providers: A few examples are play therapy such as DIR/Floortime, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), which focuses on social interaction and personal relationships, sensory integration therapy, auditory integration therapy, music therapy.

Potential Programme: Family support co-ordinators at nine chapters of advocacy group Autism Ontario help families navigate the system. Funded through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, the program also offers workshop and networking for families.

Parent support courses: One example is the Stepping Stones Triple P for parents of children with disabilities, offered through Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and the Geneva Centre for Autism and based on the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) international model.

Respite services: Parents and children get a temporary break through a one-on-one support worker, who comes to the home or while the child attends a community program or day camp. Province provides funding and services.

Andrea Gordon

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